Final answer:
The federal Speedy Trial Act complements the Sixth Amendment by requiring a trial to begin within 70 working days after indictment, upholding the right to a speedy trial and preventing indefinite detention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal Speedy Trial Act stipulates that a trial must begin within a certain number of days after a suspect is indicted for a crime, to uphold the constitutional right to a speedy trial. This right is enshrined in the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution, which states that "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed."
While the Sixth Amendment does not specify an exact timeframe for the start of a trial, the federal Speedy Trial Act complements this constitutional guarantee by setting clear limits. In accordance with the act, when a prosecution does not seek indictment within 30 days of arrest, or the trial does not begin within 70 working days after indictment, the charges can be dismissed. This timeframe ensures that the accused does not suffer unnecessary incarceration and the legal process moves forward in a timely manner.
It is important to note that there are specific exceptions and extensions to these time limits under certain circumstances, but the fundamental principle behind the Speedy Trial Act is to prevent potential harm to defendants through indefinite detention and to ensure that their rights to a speedy trial are respected.